Quality Enhancement Office

Quality is a foundational element of RCSI’s strategic plan, underpinning our commitment to delivering an exceptional educational experience. The Quality Enhancement Office (QEO) oversees quality assurance and enhancement initiatives that support the university’s strategic objectives.

This year, RCSI was among the first higher education institutions to apply for the new statutory International Education Mark (IEM). This mark, which will soon become a requirement for international student recruitment, recognises institutions that meet national standards in delivering a high-quality experience to international learners. RCSI’s application showcased its strong commitment to international education - across Ireland, overseas campuses and online - and the comprehensive supports available to international students throughout their academic journey.

Evidence-based quality improvement is a core function of the QEO. In 2024–25, the office managed over 350 surveys, including RCSI’s participation in the national Postgraduate Research Student Survey. Enhancements to the survey process included expanding in-class surveys, developing new metrics to amplify the postgraduate learner voice and continuing the ‘You Said, We Listened’ communications campaign.

The QEO led several internal quality reviews across key academic and professional units. In 2024–25, reviews were completed for the School of Medicine, the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Finance Department. Each involved expert panels who examined documentation and engaged with stakeholders. These reviews resulted in numerous commendations and constructive recommendations, reinforcing RCSI’s culture of continuous improvement.

Assessment quality assurance and psychometric services remain a vital part of the QEO’s remit, supporting both RCSI and the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE). Within RCSI, the QEO supported the development and roll-out of assessments in the new undergraduate medical programme and the move to a new assessment platform. Within the ICBSE, the focus centred on a comprehensive review of the MRCS examination format, taken by tens of thousands of candidates each year.

To promote institutional learning and reputational enhancement, the QEO curated and presented quality enhancement case studies at the International Education Forum. These case studies are now accessible through a newly launched online Case Study Repository, providing a platform for sharing best practices across the university.

Finally, in response to increasing regulatory demands, the QEO led a comprehensive review of RCSI’s quality processes. This resulted in the launch of a reimagined Quality Framework designed to streamline activities and support staff in engaging with quality in a proportionate, risk-based and data-informed manner. This reflects RCSI’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, while maintaining the highest standards of educational quality.